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Why I Bit Into The Apple Watch; Should You Invest In Apple’s Wearable Tech?

It seems the fate of the Apple Watch is still up in the air, with a few months into its release. I remember the hype and anticipation building towards the launch of Apple’s “ground-breaking” device almost a year ago, and I even seriously considered getting my hands on one before the release date.

I’m thankful I waited. Not because the Apple Watch is a letdown, but because it’s better to wait for everything consumer tech nowadays. Motorola’s entry into wearable tech was my thermometer on the competition, and for a while the Moto 360 did wow with all its neat features. But everything’s clearer in hindsight, and I’m glad I waited this long to decide.

So there’s this scuffle whether the Apple Watch has the legs to go the distance, with a considerably low sales performance upon release (according to analysts). Apple has a history of faulty launches, but that didn’t stop its solid market base from hopping into the bandwagon just the same.

The first iPod released for a steep $399, which was too expensive for me at the time, considering there are plenty of alternatives in mp3 players. Also, the iPod is paired exclusively with Mac, which severely cuts down possibilities. Now I consider the iPod a solid device with dependable features. It’s not the best feature-rich product on the market, but it’ll do, and it’s more than enough for the Apple crowd.

For a first-generation release, the Apple Watch is feature-packed, elegant, and compact. It has good fitness software, and pairs well with the iPhone in sending and receiving calls. One of my pet peeves with Androids and iOS devices is the battery life, though. I know all that hardware demanded battery juice, but the manufacturers should’ve come up with a more efficient battery to cover for new tech by now. The Apple Watch battery barely lasts the day with heavy use.

The Apple Watch received one firmware update since its April release, improving performance and reliability. It irks me to know the device comes in mid-range to high-end variations, though. Three different models, two size options, and six different finishes offer hefty variety, considering the range of interchangeable bands. Price points ranging from the considerably measly ($349) to the outright decadent ($17,000) should also ruffle the feathers of those who want to flaunt the Apple Watch as a status symbol.

I can’t help but consider the device as a wearable iPod Nano, but packed with neat new features. Fitbit works great for my daily walks, also for basic notifications. It’s hardly a standalone device, though, with many features dependent on an iPhone pairing.

Using the Apple Watch, I can say it’s not an essential device, at least not at the moment. I’m aware of the potential of wearable tech, but the Apple Watch is still a glorified smartphone accessory, one you can do without. It works best as a mobile assistant, designed to wean away users dependent on their iPhones, but when push comes to shove I’ll reach out for my iPhone just the same.

Note that these shortcomings may be overturned when the device receives a massive update in a few months, including a new version of the OS, new watch faces, features and apps. I’ll take a pot-shot at many third-party apps currently compatible with the Apple Watch, which frustrates use instead of improves it.

If you’re still on the fence whether you’ll buy in on wait it out, stay tuned to the PricePanda website for Apple Watch price while you’re undecided. Personally, I recommend you wait it out several more months, when Apple introduces its next wave of updates for its wearable tech.